Loma Prieta Community Center Project
Summary
SCH Number
2024120624
Public Agency
Santa Clara County
Document Title
Loma Prieta Community Center Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
12/16/2024
Document Description
The Loma Prieta Joint Union School District (LPJUSD) proposes to convert two existing structures, a 1,440 square foot modular structure and a 1,600 square foot multi-use structure, which are underutilized buildings that have been used as a voting center, Sheriff's substation, and temporary community center on their North campus into a permanent community center. The temporary structures were installed after the former community center down in a fire in 2017. The project will connect the existing buildings through an interconnected passage, creating a multi-purpose facility. The proposed renovations for the formal community center will include interior improvements to the existing buildings to create a main gathering space, small meeting room, two all-gender restrooms, and office spaces for the center's director and a County Sheriff substation space to enhance community outreach and services. The overall footprint of the structures will remain substantially the same.
The community center will be available for a variety of uses, including town hall meetings, birthday parties, voting, and school district gatherings, and may also serve as a cooling center during summer power outages. The center's operating hours are anticipated to be 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, with access by reservation or for scheduled community activities. Ample parking exists on the project site to accommodate events and gatherings and is readily accessed from Summit Road, which complies with all County road standards and the State Minimum Fire Safe Regulations.
At the December 4, 2024 County Board of Supervisors Meeting, the Board voted to exempt the community center project from further review under the County Zoning Ordinance pursuant to Zoning Ordinance § 1.20.070(B)(2). The project will still be required to comply with other applicable County ordinances and codes, including the California Building Code, and the California Fire Code.
Contact Information
Name
Samuel Gutierrez
Agency Name
County of Santa Clara - Department of Planning and Development
Job Title
Principal Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Counties
Santa Clara
Regions
Unincorporated
Cross Streets
Summit Road and Morrill Cutoff Road
Zip
95033
Total Acres
9.2
Parcel #
558-56-013
State Highways
CA-17
Schools
Loma Prieta Elementary School
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
CEQA Guidelines 15301 & 15302
Reasons for Exemption
The project is categorically exempt from CEQA pursuant to both § 15301 and § 15302. The proposed renovations of the existing buildings into a permanent community center would not substantially change the size or forms of the existing buildings. The project will involve the alteration of two existing buildings, with no increase in footprint or square footage other than a small passage connecting the two structures. The buildings have been used for different purposes in the past several years, such as a vote center for Santa Cruz County elections; a meeting room for purposes such as LPJUSD bid opening meetings and Loma Prieta Community Foundation Board of Directors meetings; and a blood donation center. Therefore, the exemption under CEQA Guidelines § 15301(“Existing Facilities”) applies.
The Project also qualifies for a categorical exemption under CEQA Guidelines § 15302 (“Replacement or Reconstruction”) because the renovations will involve two existing structures that will continue to serve as a community center after the project is complete. The small additional passage added between the two existing buildings would not increase the overall area where people may gather due to its small size and function. Exterior site changes associated with the project would include parking lot improvements for accessibility but would not themselves increase the capacity of the existing buildings. State building codes will continue to determine the capacity of the buildings after the project is complete. Therefore, the exemption for replacement or reconstruction also applies.
County Clerk
Santa Clara
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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